The Champagne Companion: The Authoritative Connoisseur's Guide

This little book is more than worth its minimal cost. As a general guide to the history of the great drink it's somewhat sketchy, but if you want the word on what Champagne to order and what not to (for the same price), it will provide just that. Follow its 9 or so top marques and you almost cannot go wrong. More than that though, it identifies some superb non-vintage Champagnes from less-well-publicised houses. Some I found in Epernay sell (unbelieveably) for less than 90 francs ($11) at the cave door -- half the price of the book. Though the 3 category ratings are relatively useful, a more finely discriminating set (say 5) would have been much better as a guide, particularly where the 2-star marques are concerned. Reading between the lines though you may be able to tell which 2-stars are better than others. As other reviwers have noted, it is now a bit dated: the '99 edition surprisingly fails to mention the '95 vintage at all. A well revised edition would be welcome.

The sub-title of Michael Edwards book does not lie. It is most definitely the authorative guide in the great beverage, Champagne. Edwards gets to the point in the beginning of the book, giving precise and accurate details about the origin of Champagne, then moves to another level. Edwards examines all the Champagne houses ever heard of, and more, while continuing to interest the reader. If it is ratings of champagnes or a quick idea you need, it is given in quick abbreviateed symbols and words. A real treasure, I have not found a better book when dealing with each champagne house in writing. Michael Kuestermann